NARI Encourages Design Solutions to Cover Long-Term Needs

June 25, 2013

Universal Design, a trend that is here to stay, has evolved into an improved design movement focused on increasing accessibility for everyone in the home. The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) recognizes universal design projects as proven design solutions for not only aging-in-place, but for families with special needs or anyone who wishes to move about his or her home freely and without barriers.

Russell Long, president of Aloha Home Builders based in Eugene, Ore., has remodeled his home to fit the accessibility needs of his 16-year-old son who was born with cerebral palsy. While Long’s accessibility needs may be greater than others, he always communicates the benefit of universal design to all of his clients. “Most people don’t think about universal design until it’s too late,” he said. “A healthy person can be injured or need to care for a loved one who is aging, and suddenly, your needs have changed.”

Long believes many of the design elements incorporated into his project, which won a 2012 Northwest Regional CotY Award in the Entire House $500,000 to $1,000,000 category with Universal Design Project Recognition, are convenient and luxurious, as well as functional and wheelchair accessible. The universal design features from his project include:

- Zero barriers, which mean there are no steps in the home, especially for entryways. All living quarters are on the first floor, with the exception of an upstairs area that was converted into an apartment with the purpose of housing a caregiver at some point.

- Wide hallways, open living spaces and dual entries in all rooms are common design elements used in wheelchair accessibility. Long’s hallways are more than 5 ft. wide, and living spaces are expanded so wheelchairs can move around furniture easily. Also, two entryways in all rooms – including the living room, dining room and kitchen – allows for ample traffic flow throughout the house.

- Microwaves drawer and/or refrigeration drawers are also common in universal design, but Long says it is also a stylistic feature for those who prefer to showcase beautiful cabinetry and granite countertops rather than the eye sore of a microwave taking up counter space.

- Hardwood flooring is superior over carpeting for wheelchair accessibility. Long removed all carpeting on the first floor and installed engineered hardwood flooring throughout the entire floor, only covering certain areas with rugs. The new flooring also allowed for a five-zone, energy-efficient radiant heating system throughout the house, which couldn’t have been accomplished with carpeting.

- Ramped pool entrances are a unique design feature developed by Long to make it easier for his son to be transferred in and out of the pool safely. However, once installed, the ramped entrance doubles as a convenient bench for guests to sit on while they enjoy the pool.

The key to universal design, according to Long, is to come up with design solutions that address current needs and future needs down the road. “We tried to think of solutions that could easily be added or taken out if we needed them or decided to sell our home one day,” Long said. He also adds a big misconception of universal design is that it looks institutional. “We research products and designs that blend functionality with beautiful aesthetics of a home so that it never compromises a client’s style.”